AIX-EN-PROVENCE – www.aixenprovencetourism.com
One great way to take in Aix-en-Provence is by following in the footsteps of a famous native son – the artist Paul Cézanne. Not only is understanding his presence important, but so too is seeing this sunny, stylish and Baroque city through his eyes. Here is his fashionable Cours Mirabeaux, Aix’s most famous leafy boulevard, lined with cafes and shops. Here are his fountains, echoing the elements that dominate just a hike or bike ride away in the surrounding nature of vineyards and mountains that inspired him. Here too is the cultural vitality of which he himself is a part.
Fun Facts
Aix is known as the city of a thousand fountains.
The Fondation Vasarely was established in 1966 by Victor Vasarely himself, leader of the op art movement, who chose Aix-en-Provence given the city’s rich history, artistic and architectural activities, world-renowned festival, exceptional network of motorways and, finally, Vasarely's admiration for Cézanne.
Significant Site
Cours Mirabeau: the city's most famous grand boulevard, lined by fountains and lofty plane trees, and bordered by fabulous Renaissance mansions
Extraordinary Exhibit
Musée Granet: a showcase of iconic artists associated with Provence, including Picasso and Cézanne
Delectable Delights
Calissons d’Aix: diamond-shaped delights with almonds, sugar, candied melon and orange peel
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence wines: the second largest Provençal wine appellation whose rosés are considered especially unique
Legendary Local
Thylane Blondeau: a top model and actress who was once called the 'most beautiful girl in the world'
Daring Development
New festival: MP2018 Quel Amour! is an unprecedented artistic collaboration in the form of a rolling celebration of the arts in Provence
Also in the Area
Château La Coste: a place of wine, art and architecture with a vineyard walking tour, vine tastings and restaurant
Abbaye de Silvacane: Cistercian abbey in La Roque d'Antheron, it is the most recent of three in Provence and the only one that no longer has monastic activity
Access from Paris
by road: between 6 h 40 min and 8 h 50 min (470 miles) via A6 and A7 autoroute du Soleil
by train: about 3 hours by TGV from the Gare de Lyon
by plane: 1 h 15 min, landing in Marseille-Provence Airport; then 20 minutes by shuttle
For more about what to see and do in and around Aix-en-Provence, including on the “On the Sunshine Route" itinerary, visit www.topfrenchcitybreaks.com